Ferme du Clos-Montfort

Ferme du Clos-Montfort is a historic farmhouse in Colombières, in France's Calvados department, offering guest rooms and a self-catering gîte in a quiet corner of rural Normandy.

What makes this farmhouse worth a stop?

Dating back to 1709, the main building is one of the older surviving farm structures in this part of Normandy and is registered on France's official list of historic monuments under reference PA14000100. Its owners, Thérèse and Alain, have kept the restoration close to the original character of the place, favouring natural materials over modern finishes. The result is a stay that feels rooted in the local countryside rather than a generic rural rental.

Where exactly is it, and why does that matter?

The property sits on the D5 road linking Colombières and Vouilly, roughly 10 kilometres from Isigny-sur-Mer. That puts it about a quarter of an hour's drive from the sea and from the D-Day landing beaches, around 25 minutes from both Bayeux and Saint-Lô, and under three-quarters of an hour from Caen. For travellers combining a battlefield-history itinerary with a slower-paced countryside stay, this is a practical middle ground: close enough to the coast for day trips, far enough inland to avoid the crowds around the main memorial sites.

What's included in a stay?

Guests can choose between four guest rooms in the main house or a separate gîte of about 40 square metres on the ground floor. The gîte combines a kitchen and living area, one large bedroom, and a bathroom, with central heating that makes it usable outside the peak summer months as well. Outside, an enclosed garden gives guests a private outdoor space to sit, read, or let children play away from the road.

Who is it best suited for?

Couples looking for a low-key countryside base will find the gîte's layout convenient for a self-catered stay, while the four guest rooms suit travellers who prefer a bed-and-breakfast arrangement with hosts on site. Because of its position between the coast and inland Normandy, the farm works equally well as a base for exploring D-Day history or simply for slowing down amid farmland and hedgerows.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Ferme du Clos-Montfort from the D-Day beaches? The coast and the landing beaches are around a fifteen-minute drive away.

Is the gîte usable outside summer? Yes — it has central heating, so it can be booked in autumn and winter as well as in the warmer months.

How big is the gîte, and who is it suited for? It measures roughly 40 square metres, with one large bedroom, a combined kitchen and living area, and a bathroom — a good fit for a couple or a small family.

Is the property historically protected? Yes. The farmhouse dates to 1709 and is listed on France's monument historique register under the reference PA14000100.

How far is it from Bayeux and Caen? Bayeux and Saint-Lô are about 25 minutes away by car, and Caen is reachable in under 45 minutes.